Processes and compositions to enhance the tensile strength of reclaimed sand bonded with alkaline resins

The present invention provides methods for treating reclaimed sand obtained from dismantled foundry molds and cores which contain residue from a cured binder of an ester-cured alkaline phenolic resin. Treatment of the reclaimed sand with a silane solution containing one or more amines, particularly an aqueous solution containing a silane and one or more amines, enhances the tensile strengths of foundry molds and cores produced therefrom relative to those obtained with untreated reclaimed sand. Methods for producing foundry cores and molds which incorporate such a treatment process are also provided by this invention, as are raw batch formulations.